A tragic encounter unfolded in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh on Saturday, June 15, 2024, resulting in the deaths of eight Naxalites and one security officer, according to police sources.
The gunfight erupted during a joint anti-Naxal operation conducted by security personnel from Narayanpur, Kanker, Dantewada, and Kondagaon districts. The operation took place in the forests of Abhujmad and began early in the morning. A senior police official in Raipur reported that the exchange of fire is ongoing.
“As of now, eight Naxalites have been killed in the face-off. Tragically, one jawan (security officer) lost his life in the gunfight, while two others sustained injuries,” the official stated.
The operation involved personnel from various units including the District Reserve Guard (DRG) from four districts, the Special Task Force (STF), and the 53rd battalion of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). It commenced on June 12 with the aim of rooting out Naxalite insurgents from the region.
Narayanpur, situated in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, has seen sporadic incidents of Naxalite violence in the past. Security forces have been actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations to maintain peace and stability in the area.
The loss of lives on both sides underscores the ongoing challenges faced in combating Naxalite extremism in the region. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the operation progresses.
Further details regarding the operation and any subsequent developments are awaited as security forces work to stabilize the situation in Narayanpur district.